Camouflage patterns, arrangements and methods for making the same

ABSTRACT

A site-specific photographic camouflage arrangement and method for making the same are provided. The site-specific photographic camouflage arrangement includes a digital photographic image and distorting disruptive patterns placed on the digital photographic image to create visual confusion to disguise the recognizable form of a camouflaged object by breaking up its outline.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The presently disclosed subject matter claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/963,020, filed Aug. 2, 2007;the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Camouflage patterns, arrangements and methods for making the same areprovided. In particular, site-specific photographic camouflage patterns,arrangements and methods of making the same are provide that createvisual confusion that can be utilized to disguise the recognizable formof an object by breaking up its outline using unnatural magnificationsand distortions of the photo-image and disruptive patterns.

BACKGROUND

In war, the function of camouflage is very simple: it is used to hideindividuals and their equipment from the enemy. People have been usingcamouflage in some form or another from the beginning of humancivilization. In fact, the basic idea of camouflage predates humansentirely. It comes from the natural adaptations that let animals blendin with their environment. Generally, camouflage material is coloredwith dull hues that match the predominant colors of the surroundingenvironment. In jungle warfare, camouflage is typically green and brown,to match the forest foliage and dirt. In the desert, military forces usea range of tan colors, Camouflage for snowy climates is colored withwhites and grays.

Contrary to popular belief, camouflage does not work by making thewearer or object invisible, Rather, it works by creating visualconfusion and thereby disguises a recognizable form by breaking up itsoutline. The reason for using camouflage is that it is visuallydisruptive. The meandering lines of a mottled camouflage pattern helphide the contour, or outline, of the body. When looking at a piece ofmottled camouflage in a matching environment, the brain naturally“connects” the lines of the colored blotches with the lines of thetrees, ground, leaves and shadows. This affects the way a personperceives and recognizes the individual or object hidden by camouflage.

Human perception naturally categorizes things in the world as separateobjects. When a person looks at a scene, the person is gathering animmense amount of information with their eyes and other senses. In orderfor the person's conscious mind to make any sense out of thisinformation, the person's brain has to break it down into componentparts. When the brain perceives a long, vertical area of brown withgreen blotches connected to it, the person perceives a tree. Further,when the brain perceives many, many individual trees in a given area,the person perceives a forest.

One thing the brain is always looking for when analyzing visualinformation is continuity. Take a stack of twelve blocks, for instance.If all of the blocks are colored red, a person perceives the pile as oneunit. But if the bottom six blocks are red and the top six blocks areblue, the person may perceive the pile as two separate units: a stack ofblue blocks on top of a stack of red blocks. If the blue blocks and redblocks were randomly mixed together, a person would not group them intocolored units at all. Human perception tends to recognize something as aseparate object if it has one continuous color, so a person is much morelikely to stand out when wearing a single color than when wearing amultiplicity of colors. In a jungle environment, a person perceives themultiplicity of colors in camouflage material as many small things thatare component parts of the surrounding foliage.

The importance of proper camouflage is stressed in basic militarytraining. Commanders realize that proper camouflage directly enhancesthe survival of their men. Additionally, camouflage patterns disrupt thenormal appearance of the equipment, making the recognition of high-valuetargets more difficult.

In the late 1970s, the Marine Corps began painting its equipment incamouflage patterns rather than the basic green color. There are threecamouflage color patterns used today. They are Standard(black/green/brown), Desert (tan), and Winter Snow (black/white/brown).The pattern choice for the Fleet Marine Force depends on where theUnified Commander plans to employ the Marines, or other services, in histheater of operations. Due to requirements that the certain units beable to respond to a wide spectrum of world-wide crisis, the MarineCorps uses the Standard color for its major end items.

On Aug. 6, 1990, elements of a Marine Expeditionary Force beganpreparations for deployment to Saudi Arabia. During mission analysis,the determination was made to change the camouflage color of theequipment from green to desert tan. Consultation with the depot-levelmaintenance experts revealed that the depots could not handle theenormous volume of painting required. Additionally, the materialsrequired for the painting task were not available in sufficientquantities.

As various staffs worked diligently to find a suitable alternative tothe green camouflage paint scheme, the evidence indicated that this wasa service-wide problem. Specifically, the problem is that no suitablemethod exists to rapidly change the camouflage color on militaryequipment. The cause of the problem is exacerbated by the requirement touse chemical agent resistant coating (“CCARC”). The solution to thisproblem requires the Department of Defense to discontinue the use ofCARC paint and to allow local facilities to paint their equipment whenoperational necessity dictates.

While it appears that CARC is the ideal paint for camouflage andchemical protection, it is important to realize this relationshipdirectly contributes to the problem. Several disadvantages are obviouswhen attempting to rapidly change color. CARC paint is consideredenvironmentally hazardous, and its application requires environmentalProtection Agency (“EPA”) approved safety equipment and facilities. TheEPA regulations restrict the use of CARC to one quart per site per day.Only approved facilities, such as depot-level maintenance facilities candispense CARC in volume. This restriction on volume painting isattributed to the amount of volatile organic compounds released into theatmosphere when spraying. Further, CARC is expensive and has a limitedshelf life. In fact, CARC is approximately four times more expensivethan a low emission alkyd or polyurethane paint. Additionally, thecamouflage created from paints is not that effective. With the advent ofelectronic optical devices, such painting schemes are even lesseffective.

Thus, a need exists for a camouflage arrangement and method for makingthe same that can provide excellent visual confusion that can beutilized to disguise the recognizable form of an object by breaking upits outline. Further, it can be beneficial if the camouflage providesthe user with the opportunity to rapidly change the camouflage scheme.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to providephotographic camouflage patterns, arrangements and methods for makingthe same.

The creation and utilization of photographic camouflage patterns orarrangements to create visual confusion can be used to disguise therecognizable form of the camouflaged objects by breaking up the objects'outline through the use of unnatural magnifications and distortions ofthe photo-image. In one embodiment, the method for constructing thecamouflage arrangements can comprise procuring site-specificphotographic images and manipulating the site-specific photographicimages to produce site-specific camouflage, thereby providing increasedconcealment to an object. In one particular embodiment, the camouflagearrangement can be transferred to a substrate that can then be wrappedaround or applied to a physical item, such as a vehicle or othertransportation means as well as a structure, building, weapon or otherequipment.

In one aspect, a site-specific photographic image can be manipulated byadding one or more disruptive patterns thereon to achieve a disruptiveeffect that aids in the cause of visual confusion by inhibiting normaldepth perception. The disruptive pattern can contain one or more colors.Alternatively, the disruptive patterns can include the positioning ofimages or sections having different focal lengths layered over asite-specific photographic image. Further, the camouflage pattern can bea plurality of disruptive patterns with each disruptive patternincluding an image with a different focal length. These processes candisrupt the normal environment of the site-specific photographic imagesto disrupt vision rather than attempting to create a camouflage patternor arrangement to match the photographic image.

An object of the presently disclosed subject matter having been statedhereinabove, and which is achieved in whole or in part by the presentlydisclosed subject matter, other objects will become evident as thedescription proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or application with color drawing(s) willbe provided by the Patent and Trademark Office upon request and paymentof necessary fee.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter includingthe best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forthmore particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate embodiments of a camouflage pattern orarrangement according to the present subject matter;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate other embodiments of a camouflage pattern orarrangement according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a physical item havingembodiments of a camouflage pattern or arrangement placed thereonaccording to the present subject matter;

FIGS. 4-10 illustrate steps for creating embodiments of a camouflagepattern or arrangement according to the present subject matter;

FIGS. 11-20 illustrate steps for creating other embodiments of acamouflage pattern or arrangement according to the present subjectmatter;

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate steps for an embodiment of a mock-up process forembodiments of a camouflage pattern or arrangement according to thepresent subject matter;

FIG. 25 illustrates a further embodiment of a camouflage pattern orarrangement according to the present subject matter; and

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a physical item having anembodiment of a camouflage pattern or arrangement attached theretoaccording to the present subject matter; and

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of panels having a camouflage patternprinted thereon that can be attached to a physical item according to thepresent subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the presentsubject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in the Figures.Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not as alimitation. In fact, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield still a furtherembodiment. It is intended that the present subject matter cover suchmodifications and variations.

“Site-specific” as used herein means a specific local terrain, nauticalposition, or airspace where a physical item will be located oroperating, or the environmental characteristics which would be found inthe intended operating environment of the physical item.

“Disruptive pattern” as used herein means a pattern of shapes that whenconfigured on an image will cause visual confusion.

“Distortions,” “distorting,” and variations thereof as used herein meansthe changing of at least a portion of an image by manipulating the focallengths within those portions of the image, adding to a first image aportion of the image or a portion of different image that has adifferent focal length than the first image, or adding shapes of colorthat change the appearance of the image. Focal lengths can includeimproper focal lengths that cause at least a portion of the image toappear to be out of focus.

“Focal lengths” as used herein means the distance at which an image willcome into visual focus either by a human observer or through electronic,electromechanical and/or optical methods and devices. Focal lengths caninclude improper focal lengths that cause at least a portion of theimage to appear to be out of focus.

“Image-editing program” as used herein means a computer program used toedit or change an image. Examples include Adobe PHOTOSHOP®, PAINT.NET®and PICASA

“Image” as used herein means the optical counterpart of an object orenvironment produced by graphical drawing by a person, a device (such asa computer) or a combination thereof. The optical counterpart of theobject can also be produced by an optical device electromechanicaldevice or electronic device. As used herein, “image” can be used torefer to a whole image, for example, a photographic image as taken by aphotographic device, or a portion thereof.

The process described herein for developing a camouflage pattern. Thecamouflage pattern can be transferred to a substrate. The substrate mayinclude a vinyl wrapping or other adhesive material for coveringphysical items. Such physical items can include, but are not limited toany and all types of vehicles (land, air and sea, and rail/manned &unmanned), aircraft, watercraft, structures, buildings, pipes andpiping, equipment, weapons, hardware, and other items used for militaryor other purposes where camouflage can enhance its effective use orwhere the need for camouflage concealment or deception exists.

The camouflage patterns and processes can use photo-digital processes tocreate the camouflage patterns. The variations of the processesdescribed herein are distinguishable from any previously identifiedphoto-digital camouflages processes in numerous ways. For example, theseprocesses seek to disrupt the normal environment of the site-specificphotographs to disrupt vision rather than attempting to create acamouflage pattern to match the photograph or appear to be part of theenvironment displayed on the photograph. Also, the various camouflagepatterns described herein create distinct camouflage patterns fordifferent or multiple visual angles or perspectives of the same objectin order to maximize stealth or concealment from each angle. Rather thanattempting to create a camouflage pattern that is realistic or similarto what is displayed in a photograph, the camouflage patterns describedherein are attempting to distort the image to disrupt vision therebymaking the camouflage pattern more effective.

This process can begin with a photographic image of a specific localterrain, nautical position, or airspace where a physical item will belocated or operating. Alternatively, the photographic image can containenvironmental characteristics which would be found in the intendedoperating environment of the physical item instead of being a specificimage from the specific location of the physical item. As stated above,the physical item can include, but is not limited to any and all typesof vehicles (land, air and sea, and rail/manned & unmanned), aircraft,watercraft, structures, buildings, pipes and piping, equipment, weapons,hardware, and other items used for military or other purposes.

The photographic image can be digital and can then be manipulated suchthat site-specific photographic camouflage contains unnaturallyoccurring image distortions to aid in inhibiting the ability to easilydistinguish proper depth of field perception. For example, FIGS. 1A and1B illustrate different camouflage patterns generally 10, each of whichincludes portions or areas 12 of one or more photographic images thatare site-specific for the intended operating environment in which thecamouflage is to be used. The areas 12 can have different magnificationshaving different focal lengths creating distortions that are configuredin disruptive patterns 14. For example, a specific area 16 of the areas12 of one or more photographic images can be in focus at one focallength, while another specific area 18 of the areas 12 of one or morephotographic images can have a different focal length that makes it moremagnified. Further, micropatterns 19 can be added to further distort theimage. The disruptive patterns 14 can be any shape from a structuredshape to a generally amorphous shape as can be created by a pixelmatrix.

Further, the camouflage 10 can have disruptive patterns having areaswith an improper focal length that creates a blurred distortion thatappears to be out of visual focus. For example, specific area 18 of theareas 12 of one or more photographic images can include portions ofimages that have an improper focal length and are slightly out of focus.Such disruptive patterns with blurred distortions can create furthervisual confusion for an observer and/or for an electronic or opticaldevice. For example, for a physical item that contains images havingmultiple focal lengths and/or image portions having improper focallengths that creates an out of focus portion beside an image portionthat has a proper focal length and is in focus, an optical or electronicdevice that detects such a physical item will have difficulty focusingon the physical item and/or determining a correct distance between thedevice and the physical item. Such visual confusion aids in camouflagingand protecting the physical item.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate other examples of a camouflage patterngenerally 20, each of which includes photographic image 22 that issite-specific to the intended operating environment in which thecamouflage is to be used. One or more disruptive patterns 24 of one ormore colors selected from a range of colors can be placed over thephotographic image 22 to create distortions. The range of colors cancome from the palate of colors in the photographic image and/or anoperating environment in which the camouflage is intended to be used.For example, the disruptive pattern 24 as shown in FIG. 2A can include afirst portion, or top portion, 26 that overlays a shadow portion 28.Alternatively, the disruptive patterns 24 can include a first disruptivepattern 26 and a second disruptive pattern 28′ that may overlap some,but do not necessarily mirror each other as shown in FIG. 2B. Further,micropatterns 29 can be added to further distort the photographic image.There at least two disruptive patterns can be included in the camouflagepattern. The disruptive patterns 24 can be any shape from a structuredshape to a generally amorphous shape. The randomness of such shapes maybe limited by the pixel matrix of the image, if it is a digital image.Placement of unnaturally occurring colored disruptive patterns and micropatterns on the original site-specific photographic image disrupts thecontour of the camouflaged object and breaks up the visual pattern anddistinguishable shape of the object.

When applied, the camouflage can create multiple viewing angles. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, a drone plane, generally 30, can have anunderside 32 that has a site-specific visually distorted blue sky image34 thereon and a topside 36 that has site-specific visually distortedimage 38 having the characteristics of the surrounding landscape aslooking down from above. The image 38 of the drone plane 30 in FIG. 3has on its top side 36 unnaturally occurring magnifications anddisruptions of site-specific photo images similar to the camouflage 10of FIG. 1B.

Through the use of micropatterns and disruptive patterns of coloredshapes and/or side-by-side areas within the camouflage that containphoto images at competing or contrasting focal lengths, a visualconfusion and a disruption, or breaking up of the outline of thecamouflaged object can be achieved. In this manner, the camouflage 10,can be created with a generally seamless continuation of other naturallyoccurring features and landscapes that continue into the horizon. Asynthesized but realistic perspective arrangement in a given environmentis not necessarily sought. Rather, a principal purpose is to causevisual confusion by disguising and breaking up the recognizable form ofthe object. Another purpose is to inhibit depth perception byinterfering with primary ways we perceive depth.

For example, depth from focus can be inhibited. The lens of the eye canchange its shape to bring objects at different distances into focus.Knowing at what distance the lens is focused when viewing an objectmeans knowing the approximate distance to that object. The discontinuouspattern of the camouflage creates no regular continuously repeatablepattern coinciding with the natural environment. This jumble of shapesgoes against the Gestalt law of continuity, and makes it harder to see.

Another example, depth from relative size can be inhibited. Anautomobile that is close to a person looks larger to that person thanone that is far away; the human visual system exploits the relative sizeof similar (or familiar) objects to judge distance. The pattern ofdiffering focal differences within the created pattern described hereincreates visual confusion by making it harder to judge relative size.

Depth perceived from motion can also be inhibited. A form of depth frommotion, kinetic depth perception, is determined by dynamically changingobject size. As objects in motion become smaller, they appear to recedeinto the distance or move farther away: objects in motion that appear tobe getting larger seem to be coming closer. This is a form of kineticdepth perception. Using kinetic depth perception enables the brain tocalculate time to crash distance (TTC) at a particular velocity. Whendriving, we are constantly judging the dynamically changing headway(TIC) by kinetic depth perception. The patterns described herein confuseor complicate the determination of kinetic depth perception by theinherent differing magnifications or disruptions rendering the trueobject size more difficult to perceive, and thereby interfering withkinetic depth perception.

Referring to FIGS. 4-10, a process for creating a camouflage from asite-specific digital photographic image using colored disruptivepatterns is described in detail. First, a digital photographic image 40is procured or obtained that can be used in an intended operatingenvironment. For example, suitable high megapixel digital stillphotographs of the specific terrain, nautical position, or airspacewhich the user will be operating can be acquired. These digital stillphotographs can be obtained in different manners and using differentequipment. For example, the digital still photographs can be obtainedthrough digital still cameras, high definition and standard definitionvideo cameras, or satellite imagery.

Once obtained, the digital photographic image 40 in the form of a highmegapixel digital still photograph, for example, is the starting pointfor the camouflage, concealment or deception pattern to be created andlater applied to a physical item such as a military vehicle (land, airor sea), structure, weapon, hardware, fabric, netting, mesh, orequipment. A suitable digital photographic image or images 40 cancontain a very precise match to the specific operating environment bybeing high megapixel photo duplicates of the environment. Alternatively,a suitable digital photographic image or images 40 can containenvironmental characteristics which would be found in the intendedoperating environment of the physical item The photographs can be fromdifferent viewing perspectives to allow the capability to designappropriate camouflage that will be effective from different viewingperspectives (when viewed from above, on any side, or when necessaryviewed from below). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if thephysical item to be camouflaged is to reside or operate within a desertenvironment, the digital photographic image 40 can reflect the generalcharacteristics of a desert environment or can be from the actual desertlocation in which the camouflaged physical item will reside and/oroperate.

The digital photographic image 40 is opened on the computer in animage-editing program 42 as shown in FIG. 4 so that the digitalphotographic image 40 can be enhanced to create a camouflage pattern forconcealment or deception purposes. The image-editing program can be, forexample, PHOTOSHOP® offered by Adobe Systems Incorporated, San JoseCalif. Other image-editing programs can include equivalent photomanipulation and editing software programs such as PAINT.NET® andPICASA®, or the like, or in the case of video footage the image-editingprograms can include appropriate video editing software programs thatwill produce a digital still frame photographic image.

Next, the digital photographic image 40 can be manipulated by adding“disruptive patterns” to break-up or hide the contour of the physicalitem to be camouflaged or concealed as an aid in causing visualconfusion. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the imaging-editing program 42 can beused to generate a disruptive pattern 44 (see FIG. 7) on a gray scale 52that can be placed over the digital photographic image 40, As shown inFIG. 5, shapes 44′ can be generated in the image editing program 42 tocreate the foundation of the disruptive pattern 44 (see FIG. 7). Thedisruptive pattern 44 can contain any shapes. As shown in FIG. 5, theshapes 44′ of the disruptive pattern can be generally amorphous.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the shapes 44′ can be specificgeometrical structures.

The shapes 44′ of the disruptive pattern shown in FIG. 5 can be of asize that is relative to the scale and size of the digital photographicimage 40 (see FIG. 4) so as to not overwhelm the digital photographicimage 40. In a similar manner, the proximity, or distance, between theshapes 44′ of the disruptive pattern, can be close enough so as tofacilitate the creation of visual confusion when positioned on thedigital photographic image 40, but far enough apart from each other tonot overwhelm the digital photographic image 40. For this reason, thesize and shape of the shapes 44′ can affect the number of shapes 44′within a given disruptive pattern.

The shapes 44′ of the disruptive pattern shown in FIG. 5 can be coloredto create colored shapes 44″ as shown FIG. 6. The one or more colors canbe selected from a range of colors suitable for the intended operatingenvironment in which the camouflage is to be used. For example, the oneor more colors can be selected from a range of colors from the digitalphotographic image 40 and/or the operating environment in which thecamouflage is intended to be used. More than one color can be used tocolor the different shapes. For example, some of the shapes can be onecolor and other shapes can be another color as shown in FIG. 28.

To create the final disruptive pattern 44 as used in the example of acamouflage pattern 50 shown in FIG. 9, the disruptive pattern 44 caninclude a top portion 46 and have a shadow portion 48 added to mirror orshadow the top portion 46 as shown in FIG. 7. The shadow portion 48 canbe a darker shade or color as compared to the top portion 46. The shadowportion 48 can underlie the top portion 46 so as to create a shadoweffect. The shadow effect of the top portion 46 and the shadow portion48 add depth to the disruptive pattern 44 to further facilitate thevisual confusion caused by the disruptive pattern 44.

As shown in FIG. 8, additional micropatterns 49 can be added to increasethe visual confusion. The additional micropatterns 49 are smallerpatterns than the disruptive patterns 44 and can be a generallyamorphous shape. The micropatterns 49 can include one or more additionalcolors not used in the disruptive pattern from the range of colors fromthe digital photographic image 40 and/or the operating environment inwhich the camouflage is intended to be used. The image-editing programcan include computer assisted photo illustration software tools to addthese micropatterns 49 to the suitably chosen digital photographic image40. The micropatterns 49 can be randomly dispersed over the area of thefield of the digital photographic image 40 in the camouflage pattern 50as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the micropatterns 49 when addedto together with disruptive pattern 44 should not create patterns sodense as to overwhelm the digital photographic image 40 of thecamouflage pattern 50.

As shown in FIGS. 5-8, after the selection of the digital photographicimage 40, the creation of one or more colored disruptive patterns 44 andthe micropatterns 49 can be accomplished in the image-editing program 42on a gray scale background 52. Once the disruptive patterns 44 and themicropatterns 49 are created, the digital photographic image 40 can beopened again in the image-editing program 42 and the disruptive pattern44 and micropatterns 49 can be configured on the digital photographicimage 40 to create the camouflage pattern 50. In this manner, a digitalphotograph of the specific real operating environment can be manipulatedto cause visual confusion due to disruptive patterning.

Once a suitable digital photographic image 40 of the operationalenvironment has been acquired, and it is enhanced to improve itscamouflage effect, digital copies of the created photographic camouflagepattern 50 can be saved at varying sizes for different sizedapplications on the computer or a memory device, such as a compact disk,a floppy disk, a portable zip drive, a memory drive, or the like. A“proof” sample can be printed out at this stage to check and see ifcolor, clarity, and depth are achieved.

Next, a mock-up can now be created using the image-editing program 42 asshown in FIG. 10. Images of the particular physical item 54, such as avehicle can be opened. The images of physical item 54 are digital,scaled-down versions of the vehicle for which the camouflage pattern 50is designed. The images of physical item 54 can serve as an objecttemplate 56. This image can be a true to scale template. Therefore, whenthe camouflage is taken to a direct application, the measurements remaincorrect when printed in actual size. Lines can be added to the objecttemplate 56 to identify where the panels of camouflage would be on thevehicle.

The appropriate size of the previously saved photographic camouflagepattern 50 that best corresponds with the size of the physical item 54to be camouflaged can be chosen and applied to the object template 56.Appropriate shading based on the shadows created by the physical item 54can be used to create a general likeness of the physical item 54 as itwould appear upon being camouflaged. This shading facilitates thedetermination of the viability of the created camouflage pattern. If thedesired camouflage effect is achieved, further steps can be taken tocreate a camouflage material which will be described in greater detailbelow.

Alternatively, a process for creating a camouflage from a site-specificdigital photographic image employing distortion disruptive patterns ofimages having different focal lengths can be used. In one embodiment,such a camouflage pattern can be created by placing smaller photographsor photograph sections layered over the original, or base, digitalphotographic image to achieve the desired disruptive effect that aids inthe cause of visual confusion by inhibiting normal depth perception.This use of photo-over-photo technique achieves both a disruptive effectand makes the camouflage have a visual confusing effect at differentfocal distances.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-24, a process for creating acamouflage from site-specific digital photographic images usingdisruptive patterns of images having different focal lengths isdescribed in more detail. As in this example, the camouflage pattern canbe developed from a plurality of site-specific digital photographicimages. First, two or more digital photographic images are procured orobtained that can be used in an intended operating environment. Thedigital photographic images can be site-specific photographic images.

In the example shown in FIGS. 11-24, desert site-specific camouflage 60(see FIG. 20) is being created from three site-specific photographicimages 62, 64, 66 (see FIGS. 11-13, respectively). The digitalphotographic image 62 shown in FIG. 11 is a site-specific image of aportion of a sandstone landscape. The digital photographic image 64shown in FIG. 12 is a site-specific image of a portion of weather worndesert pavement at a shorter focal length than that of digitalphotographic image 62. The digital photographic image 66 shown in FIG.13 is a site-specific image of a different portion of a sandstonelandscape than that of the digital photographic image 62. As can beseen, the digital photographic image 66 has a much shorter focal lengththan the digital photographic image 62. Thus, three differentphotographic images 62, 64, 66 having different focal lengths areprovided. Further, the three different photographic images 62, 64, 66are of site-specific elements common to the intended operatingenvironment in which the developed camouflage will be used.

Each digital photographic image 62, 64, 66 can be opened on the computerin an image-editing program 68 as shown in FIGS. 11-13 so that thedigital photographic images 62, 64, 66 can be manipulated to create acamouflage pattern for concealment or deception purposes. In FIG. 11,the digital photographic image 62 is opened in the image-editing program68 on a computer and an image of an area 70 of the digital photographicimage 62 can be isolated to be used in creating the camouflage.Similarly, the digital photographic image 64 is opened in theimage-editing program 68 as shown in FIG. 12 and an image of an area 72of the digital photographic image 64 can be isolated using theimage-editing program 68. The digital photographic image 66 can also beopened in the image-editing program 68 as shown in FIG. 13 and an imageof an area 74 of the digital photographic image 66 can be isolated to beused in creating the camouflage.

Again, each digital photographic image 62, 64, 66 is of a different areawith a different focal length resulting in different magnification. Ifnecessary, the isolated images of the respective areas 70, 72, 74 of thedigital photographic images 62, 64, 66 can be further enhanced todifferentiate the magnifications.

Before or after the images of the respective areas 70, 72, 74 of thedigital photographic images 62, 64, 66 are isolated, a template ofdisruptive patterns can be created on a gray scale generally 76 (seeFIG. 14) using the image-editing program 68 with different disruptivepatterns identified to receive a different respective isolated image ofthe respective areas 70, 72, 74 of the digital photographic images 62,64, 66. As shown in FIG. 14, a first disruptive pattern 78 can begenerated or added to the gray scale 76. As described above, thedisruptive pattern can be any shape. In the embodiment shown, thedisruptive pattern 78 is a generally amorphous shape. This firstdisruptive pattern 78 can receive portions of an image from one of theareas 70, 72, 74 from one of the respective digital photographic images62, 64, 66. As shown in FIG. 15, the image-editing program 68 can beused to drop in portions 79 of the image of the area 74 from the digitalphotographic image 66. In this manner, the image of the area 74 isapplied to the first disruptive pattern.

As shown in FIG. 16, a second disruptive pattern 80 can be generated oradded to the gray scale 76. The disruptive pattern can be any shape. Inthe embodiment shown, the disruptive pattern 80 is a generally amorphousshape. This second disruptive pattern 80 resides in areas not occupiedby the first disruptive pattern 78 containing the portions 79 of theimage of the area 74. The second disruptive pattern 80 can receiveportions of one of the remaining images of the areas 70, 72 from one ofthe respective digital photographic images 62, 64. As shown in FIG. 17,the image-editing program 68 can be used to drop in portions 81 of theimage of the area 70 from the digital photographic images 62. In thismanner, the image of the area 70 is applied to the second disruptivepattern.

As shown in FIG. 18, a third disruptive pattern 82 can be generated oradded to the gray scale 76, The disruptive pattern can be any shape. Inthe embodiment shown, the disruptive pattern 82, like the otherdisruptive patterns 78, 80, is a generally amorphous shape. This thirddisruptive pattern 82 resides in areas not occupied by the first andsecond disruptive patterns 78, 80 containing the portions 79, 80 of theimage of the respective areas 74, 70. Since only three disruptivepatterns are used in this example, the third disruptive pattern 82resides in any area not occupied by the other two disruptive patterns78, 80.

The third disruptive pattern 82 can receive portions of the remainingimage of the area 72 from one of the respective digital photographicimages 64 not used in the other disruptive patterns 78, 80. As shown inFIG. 19, the image-editing program 68 can be used to drop in portions 83of the image of the area 72 from the digital photographic images 64. Inthis manner, the image of the area 72 is applied to the third disruptivepattern.

Once the last disruptive pattern has an image applied to it and anyclean-up using the image-editing program 68 is conducted, a camouflagepattern 60 is created as shown in FIG. 20. The camouflage pattern 60 hasthree disruptive patterns 78, 80, 82 having different images of areas70, 72, 74 from different site-specific photographic images 62, 64, 66that have different focal lengths to create visual confusion forconcealment and deception. One or more of the different focal lengths ofsuch images can be improper focal lengths (not shown) that cause thoseimages to appear out of focus. Generally, it should be understood thatsuch camouflage patterns can include two or more disruptive patterns.For example, four or five patterns can be used in make such camouflage.

Digital copies of the created photographic camouflage pattern 60 can besaved at varying sizes for different size applications on the computeror a memory device, such as a compact disk, a floppy disk, a portablezip drive, a memory drive, or the like. A “proof” sample can be printedout at this stage to check and see if color, clarity, and depth areachieved.

Next, a mock-up can now be performed using the image-editing program 68as shown in FIG. 21-24. Images of the particular physical item 84, suchas a vehicle, can be opened in the image-editing program 68 on thecomputer. The images of physical item 84 are a digital, scaled downversions of the vehicle for which the camouflage pattern 60 can bedesigned. The images of physical item 84 can serve as an object template86. This image can be a true to scale template. Therefore, when thecamouflage 60 is taken to a direct application, the measurements remaincorrect when printed in actual size. As shown in FIG. 22, the objecttemplate 86 of the physical item 84 is “pathed” by adding lines such aslines 88, 90, 92 to the object template 86 to identify where the panelsof camouflage 60 would be affixed onto the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 23, the appropriate size of the previously savedphotographic camouflage pattern 60 that best corresponds with the sizeof the template 86 of the physical item 84 to be camouflaged can bechosen. Using the image-editing program, the image or images of thecamouflage 60 can then be divided into sections to create appropriatelysized panels 94. The panels 94 can be applied to the object template 86using the image-editing program 68.

As shown in FIG. 24, appropriate shading based on the shadows created bythe physical item 84 can be added to the template 86 using theimage-editing program 68 to create a general likeness of the physicalitem 84 as it would appear upon being camouflaged with the createdpattern to determine its viability. Again, this shading adds realism totest the effectiveness of the finished design without have to create afinished product. If the desired camouflage effect is achieved, furthersteps can be taken in creating a camouflage material which will bedescribed in greater detail below.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 25, a camouflage pattern 100 can becreated by taking a base digital photographic image 102 and creatingdisruptive patterns 104, 106, 108 of distortions through the use ofmagnifications or demagnifications of portions of the digitalphotographic image 102. Such disruptive patterns 104, 106, 108 ofdistortions can make use of portion of image 102 having improper focallengths to create disruptive patterns that are out of focus. Thedisruptive patterns 104, 106, 108 of distortions can be generated andlayered over the base digital photographic image 102 using animage-editing program on a computer to achieve the desired disruptiveeffect in the camouflage 100 that aids in creating visual confusion byinhibiting normal depth perception.

As shown in FIG. 25, image 102 can have can have disruptive patterns104, 106, 108 of different portions of the image 102 that have differentfocal lengths. For example, disruptive pattern 106 can have a longerfocal length than the base image 102 with disruptive pattern 106 stillbeing in focus. Disruptive pattern 104 can have an improper focal lengththat creates a blurred distortion that is somewhat out of focus.Further, disruptive pattern 108 can also have an improper focal lengththat creates a blurred distortion that is even more out of focus thanthe disruptive pattern 104. This use of photo-over-photo technique alsoachieves both a disruptive effect and makes the camouflage 100 have avisually confusing effect at different focal distances.

As described above, such disruptive patterns with blurred distortionscan create further visual confusion for an observer and/or for anelectronic and/or optical device. For example, an optical or electronicdevice that detects a physical item that contains images having multiplefocal lengths and/or image portions having improper focal lengths thatcreates an out of focus portion will have difficulty focusing on thephysical item and/or determining a correct distance between the deviceand the physical item. Such visual confusion aids in camouflaging andprotecting the physical item.

Some or all of these techniques and enhancements used in the camouflageembodiments described above can be used together or separately accordingto the desired effect or effects. The description provided below can beused with any of the camouflage embodiments described above, unlessstated otherwise.

Once the desired camouflage effect is confirmed as described above, asecond proof can be printed at this stage to check and see if theappropriate color, clarity, and depth are still being achieved and thecamouflage still is an ideal match for the operating environment.

Next, using the image-editing program, the image of the camouflage canbe divided into the sections called panels hereinabove. After printing,these panels will fit together overlapping one another when placed onthe physical item, No registry lines are necessary. The overlapping ofthe panels improves seal, adhesion, and installation procedures. Thesizes of the panels can depend on the size of the physical item to becamouflaged and are only constrained by the cost effectiveness of theselected size, manageability of the installation process, and theprinter capabilities. For example, the panels can range from a fewsquare inches to lengths and widths of 100 inches or more.

The panel process and application is explained using a specific exampleof a typical U.S. Military 1025 Humvee 120 shown in FIG. 26, However,the same general process can be used with other physical items. Thedesign is divided into the following corresponding panels which in FIG.26 have been printed to a substrate such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)film and already applied to the Humvee 120: a tailgate panel 122, afirst roof panel 124 (partially shown), a second roof panel 126(partially shown), a boot panel 128, door panels 130 a center hood panel(not shown), left and right hood panels 132, 134, (partially shown), aback panel 136, and fender/frame panels 140.

If the three items of color, clarity, and depth are achieved, then thepanel sections are saved and sent to the printer to begin the “rip”process of transferring the panel images to the printer and theprinter's software. Before the rip process is to begin, another proofcan be printed to make sure that nothing has moved or been dropped fromthe file. Once this proof is checked, a test print process of printingan actual panel or a portion of an actual panel on a substrate can bedone to make sure the colors match between the camouflage pattern imageon the screen of the computer and the camouflage printed on thesubstrate.

If there is a match, the production operator then begins to print thenecessary panels for the Humvee 120. In the case of the Humvee 120,there are 15 panels that are printed in our process. Each panel runsdifferent in size. The sizes provided below are provided as onlyexamples and the number and size of the panels may vary based on thecriteria outlined above. In particular, the sizes of the panels candepend on the size of the physical item to be camouflaged and are onlyconstrained by the cost effectiveness of the selected size,manageability of the installation process, and the printer capabilities.The selected sizes can assist with the installation process. Theselected sizes can help with manageability and control of the productfor the installation crews during the installation process. The selectedsizes can promote versatility as some of the installations are doneoutdoors and some are done indoors. Wind and the elements are a factorin the installation process.

For the example Humvee 120, 15 panels can be printed in the followingsizes:

-   -   1. 1—21″×87″ tailgate panel;    -   2. 1—52″×74″ first roof panel;    -   3. 1-52″×74″ second roof panel;    -   4. 1-60″×53″ boot panel;    -   5. 4-95″×53″ door panels;    -   6. 1-54″×70″ center hood panel;    -   7. 1-36″×70″ left hood panel;    -   1-36″×70″ right hood panel;    -   9. 2-53×80 back panel;    -   10. 1-53″×80″ first fender/frame panel; and    -   11, 1-53″×80″ second fender/frame panel.

The camouflage pattern can be printed on a substrate. The substrate canbe a thermoplastic film, a mesh, a nonwoven, knitted or woven fabric,netting, or the like. The substrate used can depend on the end use ofthe camouflage material and the operating environment.

An example of a thermoplastic film that can be used is a polyvinylchloride (“PVC”) film. For such a film, the conditions in the printingarea are preferably controlled. For example, the room temperature andrelative humidity can be between about 60° F. to about 90° F. and therelative humidity can be between about 50% to about 90% RH. Forinstance, the temperature and relative humidity can be about 73° F. (23°C.) and 50% RH when using as a substrate a 2.7 mil gloss white,polymeric stabilized, soft calendared PVC film designed for receivingdigital ink jet printers. The ink used can be printing inks such asdigital printing inks. Different inks can be used to ascertain differentproperties in the final product. The substrate used can be coated on oneside with a permanent, opaque, acrylic, pressure sensitive adhesive withair egress technology and supplied with a 80# poly coated liner that isused as a release liner to protect the adhesive until time forapplication. Below is a list of physical properties of an exampleacrylic adhesive that can be applied to a substrate such as the PVC filmdescribed above.

TABLE 1 Properties of an Example Pressure Adhesive Test Method (FederalTest Methods Physical Properties Typical Values used) Peel Adhesion,lb./in. about 3.2 - about 4.6 FTM - 1 (N/25 mm) (about 14 - 20) 180degrees on glass - 24 hr Quick Tack on Glass about 3.4 - about 4.8 FTM -9 lb./in. (N/25 mm) (about 15 - about 21) Dimensional Stability, (%)Maximum of about 0.5 FTM - 14 10″ by 10″ sample bonded to AluminumNormal Application Above about 50° F. Temperature and (about +10° C.Temperature Ranges for About −40° F. to about Minimum Application 194°F. (about - 40° C. to about 90° C.)

Once the material is printed, it is laid on a drying table and left to“gas” or “dry” for a period of about 72 hours to ensure that the ink isdry. Once the material has gone through the 72 hour period and dependingon the end use of the camouflage material, then it can be laminated in alamination process to provide an overcoating. For example, for asubstrate of a PVC film to be used to cover a vehicle, the PVC film canbe laminated. Laminating a substrate like PVC film can add strength andprotection to the printed image. For example, a laminate when bondedwith the PVC film can provide protection to a vehicle on which it isapplied (and any individuals inside) against chemical and biologicalagents and it can help protect the vehicle from corrosive agents aswell. It can also be used to add gloss or a reflection control layer.

The material used in such a lamination process can be a highlyconformable cast film, such as a PVC film, that can range in thicknessfrom about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. For example, highly conformable castfilm having thickness of about 1.5 mm can be used. A cast vinyl laminatecan have a built-in ultraviolet protection, be optically clear, and havea low gloss or no-gloss (flat) finish or matte. The laminate can includea permanent adhesive, such as an acrylic adhesive.

The printed substrate and the laminate can be run through a laminationprocess where the adhesive side of the laminate faces the printed sideof the substrate. The laminate and substrate can then pass throughpressurized heated or unheated rollers to secure the laminate to thesubstrate. The laminate can be usable in temperatures from about 50° F.to about 225° F. Thus, the laminate can be applied to the substrate inhot and cold applications. In the PVC film example, the substrate can beleft to cool after the material is laminated at about 120° F.

In another example, a 1.5-mil clear matte or a 1.5-mil clear gloss,which are highly conformable cast PVC films, can be chosen as thelaminate. The over-laminate film is coated on one side with a clearpermanent, acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and supplied with a 1.2mil polyester release liner. Upon application, the release liner can beremoved. The printed substrate and the laminate can be aligned so thatthe adhesive side of the laminate faces the printed side of thesubstrate. The laminate and substrate can then pass through pressurizedrollers to secure the laminate to the substrate. UV protection canincorporated into the over-laminating film to help extend the life ofthe graphic by resisting color fade caused by ultraviolet light.

Suitable substrates with the printed camouflage patterns described abovethat have a protective overcoating laminated thereto can provideexcellent camouflage capability and permit quick changeability for theuser to change the camouflage if the operating environment of thephysical item to be cover is to change. An installation process forsecuring the camouflaged substrate to a physical item is described inmore detail below.

For an embodiment of a substrate with the camouflage pattern thereonthat is to be attached to a physical item, an installation process canbe used to facilitate proper attachment to the wherein the substrate isthe PVC film example given above, installers now prepare the vehicle forthe installation process. The installation process can be done invarious ways. An example process is provided below. The exampleinstallation process contains six general steps. The steps of theexample installation process are provided below.

Step 1. Check the Material

1. Look at the template; it should be confirmed that the overlappingpanels to be installed are the correct panels for the physical itemselected for installation.

2. Confirm that all overlapping panels are available.

3. Do an initial “tape up” to ensure proper fit & alignment placingemphasis on not losing any text or design features.

Step 2. Remove Obstacles

1. Determine if accessories from the physical item to be camouflagedneed to be removed to facilitate attachment of the overlapping panels tothe physical item. Examples of accessories for a vehicle can include thefollowing:

2. Mirrors; 3. Antennas;

4. Door handles;5. Rubber window tracks;

6. Lamp Assemblies;

7. Emblems (ask customer, some may not want off); and8. Any old graphics (pin stripping & vinyl decals, etc).

Step 3. Clean Vehicle Thoroughly

1. Use a good wax & grease remover (wet rag & dry rag) and follow upwith alcohol to thoroughly dean the physical item.2. Emphasis should be placed on areas of the physical item that tend tobe exposed to or collect dirt. For example, on a vehicle, all doors,hood, trunk edges, fender wells, moldings door handles, or the likeshould be emphasized.

Step 4. Install Wrap

1. Do an exact tape up.2. Mark line up points on physical items.3. It is recommended that the installation start at the rear of thephysical item and work to the front. However, the installation can startat the front of the physical item and work to the rear. The panels canoverlap. The amount of overlap depends on factors that can include, forexample, intended use, environment of use, the type and size of thephysical item, and the type of substrate, laminate or ink used. Theoverlap can range from about 0.75 inches to about 3 feet depending onthe application and the factors listed above.4. During and after an installation of a panel, the panel may need to becut. When cutting, be sure not to cut on a body or any plastic parts ofthe physical item as it can leave a permanent mark.5. Heat in all edges & relief cuts to smooth the edges.6. Look over the installation carefully.7. Check for lifting in any convex or concave curves and reheat, ifnecessary.

Step 5. Install Window Perforation (if Needed)

1. Some physical items may include glass that can be camouflaged with aperforated material commonly used on glass in the industry having thecamouflage pattern printed thereon. If glass is to be covered, the glassshould be cleaned with glass cleaner. Preferably, no Ammonia is used.This cleaning can be followed with a wipe down of the glass of IsopropylAlcohol.2. Cut the Perforated material 1/16 of an inch from the edge to ensureit does not get caught in the window rubbers.3. Run rivet brush around edges to ensure adhesion.4. When cutting, make straight cuts.

Step 6. Reinstall Removed Items (if Necessary)

1. Be careful not to damage the installed panels.2. Analyze the installed panels looking for any areas that may fail.Examples of places to inspect on a vehicle include: Fender wells, alledges, door handles, or the like.

As described above, the panels can be installed on a physical item, sothat the panels overlap each other. FIG. 27 illustrates two panelsgenerally designated 150, 160 that can be placed on a physical item suchas a structure or a vehicle. When placed on the physical item, the twopanels 150, 160 can have an overlap generally designated 170. Each panelcan have a length L. As shown in FIG. 27, the length L for each panel150, 160 can be the same; however, in other embodiments the lengths ofthe panels that are to be placed beside each other can have differentlengths.

First panel 150 can have a first side 152 and a second side 154. Aportion of each side 152, 154 can be designated as an overlap area 156,158, respectively. The overlap areas 156 and 158 can run the length L offirst panel 150. Overlap area 156 can have a width with a distance 0₁and overlap area 158 can have a width with a distance 0₂. Distance 0₁and distance 0₂ can be the same or different. Similarly, second panel160 can have a first side 162 and a second side 164. A portion of eachside 162, 164 can be designated as an overlap area 166, 168,respectively. The overlap areas 166 and 168 can run the length L ofsecond panel 160. Overlap area 166 can have a width with a distance 0₂and overlap area 168 can have a width with a distance 0₃. Distance 0₂and distance 0₃ can be the same or different, Each overlap area 156,158, 166, 168 can contain portions of the camouflage printed on therespective panels 150, 160.

First panel 150 can be installed with overlap area 156 overlappinganother panel (not shown) or it can be applied directed to the physicalitem with no overlap. Once installed, the second panel 160 can beinstalled such that overlap area 166 of the second panel 160 extendsover overlap area 158 of the first panel 150 to create overlap 170. Thisoverlap 170 helps to ensure good coverage, for example, of the physicalitem on which the panels 150, 160 are placed. As described above, thedistance 0₂ of overlap 170 and the distances 0₁, 0₃ depend on factorsthat can include, for example, intended use, environment of use, thetype and size of the physical item, and the type of substrate, laminateor ink used. The overlap 170 can range from about 0.75 inches to about 3feet depending on the application and the factors listed above. Overlaparea 168 of second panel 160 can overlap another panel (not shown).Alternatively, overlap area 168 of second panel 160 does not have tooverlap another panel.

The camouflage patterns, the methods of making the same and thedifferent materials or substrates on which they can be used providevarious ways to create visual confusion and deception for the physicalitems on which they are applied.

Embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings anddescribed above are exemplary of numerous embodiments that can be madewithin the scope of the appending claims. It is contemplated that theconfigurations of the camouflage arrangements and related methods formaking the same can comprise numerous configurations other than thosespecifically disclosed. The scope of a patent issuing from thisdisclosure will be defined by these appending claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camouflage pattern comprising: a photographicimage; and a disruptive pattern of at least one color configured on thephotographic image, the at least one color being selected from a rangeof colors from at least one of the photographic image or an operatingenvironment in which the camouflage is intended to be used.
 2. Thecamouflage pattern according to claim 1, further comprising additionalmicropatterns configured on the photographic image, the micropatternsbeing smaller than the disruptive patterns.
 3. The camouflage patternaccording to claim 2, wherein the micropatterns include one or moreadditional colors selected from the range of colors, the one or moreadditional colors including colors not used in the disruptive pattern.4. The camouflage pattern according to claim 2, further comprising oneor more additional disruptive patterns configured on the photographicimage, the one or more additional disruptive patterns including one ormore additional colors not used in the disruptive pattern and selectedfrom the range of colors.
 5. The camouflage pattern according to claim1, wherein the photographic image comprises a digital image.
 6. Asubstrate having the camouflage pattern according to claim 1 configuredthereon.